For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

HEBREWS 5:13KJV
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Hebrews 5:13 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:13 mean?

Hebrews 5:13 says that anyone who is still relying on "milk"—a basic, beginner-level understanding of spiritual matters—is inexperienced in understanding what is right and just according to God's word, because such a person is spiritually immature. The verse uses the image of a baby who can only drink milk to describe someone not yet ready for deeper teaching.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing people who have been taught about Jesus but have not grown beyond the basics of the faith. The context is a call for these believers to move past elementary teachings and become more mature in their understanding, especially regarding what is right ("the word of righteousness"). The verse sets up a contrast between spiritual infancy and maturity.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:13

  • "ἀγαθοῦ" (G1051, gala, "milk"): The Greek word for "milk" here points to simple, foundational teaching. The image is of nourishment suitable for infants, not for adults ready for solid food.
  • "ἄπειρος" (G552, apeiros, "unskilful"): This word means "inexperienced" or "untrained." It highlights that the person is not practiced or competent in understanding or applying the message about righteousness.
  • "λόγος" (G3056, logos, "word"): In this context, "word" refers to the message or teaching about righteousness, not just any word or speech. It suggests a focus on the content and substance of what is being taught.
  • "δικαιοσύνη" (G1343, dikaiosynē, "righteousness"): This word means "righteousness" or "justice," pointing to a life lived according to God's standards. The verse is about being able to grasp and live out what is right, not just knowing facts.

Why Hebrews 5:13 matters

  • Hebrews 5:13 clears up that spiritual maturity is not just about how long someone has believed, but about their depth of understanding and practice in what is right.
  • The verse emphasizes that there is a difference between basic spiritual knowledge and the ability to discern and live out deeper truths.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by urging readers to grow up in their faith and not remain stuck at the beginner level, preparing them for the call to maturity in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“milk” Greek G1051 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
  • Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

“useth” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

“babe” Greek G3516 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Romans 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
  • Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)